Crossword Puzzles

Ronald_50 · Post by **Ronald_50** » Sun Jul 13, 2014 11:19 pm

Why do you think solving crossword puzzle is fun?

FourPart · Post by **FourPart** » Mon Jul 14, 2014 2:32 am

Because it's a challenge to be overcome. The more difficult they are, the bigger the challenge & the greater the feeling of satisfaction in having completed it.

Personally, I've drifted away from crosswords in favour of the range of Japanese Logic Problems, such as Sudoku, Hanjie, Suji-Moji, Masyu, Hashi, etc. In fact, I have a Games CD with a whole collection of these on & although I'm not generally into computer games, per se, I don't really think of them as games.

Also if, like myself, you're mentally hyper-active, you can find that any more than a minute or 2 with nothing to occupy the mind can be really frustrating, so they're essential when on a long journey (although not if you're doing the driving, of course).

Puzzles, such as these are also known to be beneficial to the mind, providing some defence against such conditions as Alzheimers (although, obviously, not entirely).

Post by **Oscar Namechange** » Mon Jul 14, 2014 11:35 am

Fun ? Not In my book... I'm very good at anagrams but It's that moment you have completed the puzzle bar one question... then I could easily stab someone.

Snowfire · Post by **Snowfire** » Mon Jul 14, 2014 12:48 pm

I like cryptic crosswords but they need getting used to. I'm used to the London Evening Standard cryptic but always struggle with Fridays crossword, most likely because the compiler is different to the rest of the week.

Havent worked out his style yet

Saint_ · Post by **Saint_** » Mon Jul 14, 2014 1:42 pm

I used to love crossword puzzles....then I got an ipad.

Týr · Post by **Týr** » Mon Jul 14, 2014 1:56 pm

Ronald_50;1459837 wrote: Why do you think solving crossword puzzle is fun?

I've never found them either fun or satisfying. They're as good as the degree to which they provide me with mental exercise.

Snowfire · Post by **Snowfire** » Mon Jul 14, 2014 2:39 pm

Týr;1459900 wrote: I've never found them either fun or satisfying. They're as good as the degree to which they provide me with mental exercise.

That's what sets us apart. They provide me with as much excercise as my small brain can muster on my journey home from work, up to a point where it starts to hurt. A form of lactic acid coursing through the brain. What is a power walk for me would be a stroll for you

Cai20 · Post by **Cai20** » Mon Jul 14, 2014 8:24 pm

Hey, for me it's fun because it makes me think and it really challenges my brain. Every time I completed a set of crossword, it's rewarding for me. I do it online at freedailycrosswords.com . I also print some of the puzzles so it will keep me busy whenever I'm on a bus.

FourPart · Post by **FourPart** » Tue Jul 15, 2014 2:49 pm

This is a typical Masyu Puzzle.

You must draw a continuous line, crossing through all pieces (although not necessarily all squares), using the following rules:

White Pieces:

A line must pass entirely through the diameter of without turning, but making a 90 degree turn immediately before and / or after entering / exiting the piece (i.e. at have at LEAST 1 turn).

Black Pieces:

A line must turn at 90 degrees whilst IN the piece.

Whilst entering / exiting the piece, both lines must traverse entirely across the adjoining squares.

There is often more than 1 solution - just so long as all the rules are met.

G#Gill · Post by **G#Gill** » Tue Jul 15, 2014 6:59 pm

Týr;1459900 wrote: I've never found them either fun or satisfying. They're as good as the degree to which they provide me with mental exercise.

Have you tried the Sunday Times Skeleton Crossword ? It's a cryptic puzzle and there are no black squares - you have to fill these in yourself as you solve the words. The puzzle must also be balanced - the black squares making a symmetrical pattern. My father loved to do them, and he used to take around 15 to 20 minutes to complete the puzzle.

recovering conservative · Wed Jul 16, 2014 2:39 am

The only time I do crossword puzzles is when I make my weekly visit with my 96 year old mother. She started doing them a few years ago, and since she's been in a nursing home after a hip fracture and surgery two years ago, she has a lot more time to do puzzles. My brother tried to get her interested in something a little more current and challenging like Sudoku puzzles, but she's sticking with her crosswords.

theia · Post by **theia** » Wed Jul 16, 2014 3:07 am

My mother and I used to enjoy the Telegraph's cryptic crossword but since she died I rarely bother. I agree, Snowfire, that you get used to a certain compiler.

G#Gill · Post by **G#Gill** » Wed Jul 16, 2014 5:39 am

theia;1460056 wrote: My mother and I used to enjoy the Telegraph's cryptic crossword but since she died I rarely bother. I agree, Snowfire, that you get used to a certain compiler.

My mother was a Telegraph crossword addict, and she was very quick too. She would have agreed that you can tell which compiler has submitted which crossword puzzle - they all have a style/method don't they ?

theia · Post by **theia** » Wed Jul 16, 2014 8:48 am

G#Gill;1460067 wrote: My mother was a Telegraph crossword addict, and she was very quick too. She would have agreed that you can tell which compiler has submitted which crossword puzzle - they all have a style/method don't they ?

Yes, my mother was far better than I was but, as we've said, a different compiler would always throw her

Snowfire · Post by **Snowfire** » Wed Jul 16, 2014 11:16 am

This is a famous Times crossword clue

Clue ; geg

Answer ; ---------/---

theia · Post by **theia** » Wed Jul 16, 2014 1:04 pm

Snowfire;1460089 wrote: This is a famous Times crossword clue

Clue ; geg

Answer ; ---------/---

Scrambled egg?

Snowfire · Post by **Snowfire** » Wed Jul 16, 2014 1:23 pm

theia;1460104 wrote: Scrambled egg?

Correct ! Well done.

Another...

Clue ; HIJKLMNO

Answer ; -----

theia · Post by **theia** » Wed Jul 16, 2014 1:42 pm

Snowfire;1460106 wrote: Correct ! Well done.

Another...

Clue ; HIJKLMNO

Answer ; -----

Struggling with this one

FourPart · Post by **FourPart** » Wed Jul 16, 2014 1:49 pm

Snowfire;1460106 wrote: Correct ! Well done.

Another...

Clue ; HIJKLMNO

Answer ; -----

Water

(H to O)

theia · Post by **theia** » Wed Jul 16, 2014 1:53 pm

FourPart;1460108 wrote: Water

(H to O)

Clever!!! I don't think I'd have solved that one!